THE Hairy Bikers have told how they went to South America to learn about Welsh cooking.

The television favourites will be making their first visit to North Wales when they’ll have a starring role at the Llangollen Food Festival.

But they already know a fair bit about Welsh produce and recipes.

Dave Myers and Si King told the Daily Post how they picked up many culinary tips from the Welsh-speaking community in Patagonia.

The motorbiking masterchefs hope to broaden their education by chatting to local chefs when they attend the 10th annual Llangollen Food Festival on Saturday.

As well as officially opening the two-day event, organised by the Cadwyn Clwyd rural development agency, they will give a demonstration of the skills which have made them so popular with viewers.

Despite being so widely travelled they have visited Wales on only a handful of occasions.

It was their visit to Patagonia in October 2006 which proved a real eye-opener, even though they had been aware of the strong Welsh links. “We learned such things as making Welsh cakes and various dishes involving loin of Welsh lamb, but we found the whole place so fascinating,” said Dave.

“The people were so proud of their Welshness, and it was strange seeing signs with names such as Carlos Evans.

“We’ve never been to the Llangollen area, though obviously we’ve heard of the international eisteddfod, and we’re looking forward to having a look round as well as enjoying the ‘craic’. It would be nice to make a weekend of it,” said Dave.

Their work has taken them as far afield as Namibia, Turkey, Mexico and Transylvania – all on their powerful machines.

But Dave said they would like to make a series based on the regions of Britain. “And Wales would definitely figure in it.”

The Llangollen Food Festival is now established as one of Wales’ premier culinary events and the number of exhibitors and visitors to the Royal International Pavilion has grown each year.

Cadwyn Clwyd spokeswoman Delyth Glyn Jones said this year’s festival looked like being the biggest and best yet.

For more information about the festival go to: www.llangollenfoodfestival.co.uk